Shows
Empower AppsBackend Decisions with Mikaela CaronGuestMikaela CaronYoutube - MikaelaCaronTwitter - @mikaela__caronInstagram @mikaelacaron Youtube Video - https://youtu.be/_-k97s1ZPzERelated EpisodesEpisode 92 - WWDC 2021 - Platforms State of the Union with Peter WithamEpisode 85 - AWS Amplify with Kilo LocoEpisode 120 - Xcode Tips with Dominik HauserEpisode 121 - Server-Driven UI with Mohammad AzamEpisode 108 - What is Firebase with Peter FrieseEpisode 97 - Day One App Ideas with Mikaela CaronEpisode 90 - AWS and SOTO with Adam FowlerEpisode 75 - Year of the Server with Tim Condon - Part 2Episode 49 - Vapor 4 with Tibor BödecsEpisode 48 - Alt...2022-06-2838 min
Empower AppsWhat is Firebase with Peter FrieseGuestPeter Friese - BlogTwitter - @peterfrieseYouTube - @peterfrieseGitHub - @peterfrieseYoutube Video - https://youtu.be/8m8oppa-LosRelated EpisodesEpisode 87 - Core Data Fun with Tim MitraEpisode 85 - AWS Amplify with Kilo LocoEpisode 75 - Year of the Server with Tim Condon - Part 2Episode 35 - SwiftUI - The Good, the Bad, and the BenefitsEpisode 8 - Cloud and Backend Services For Apps with Erik GillespieRelated LinksFirebase Summit - November 10thFirebase YouTube ChannelFirebase BlogFirebase Medium channelFirebase vs GCP VideosProjects & storageFunctions & Firestorethe LansingCodes app that ne...2021-11-0942 min
Empower Apps100th Episode SpectacularYoutube Videohttps://youtu.be/Rnv58mzGXOkLinksgBeat.comtransistor.fmpodcastedition.comRelated EpisodesEpisode 99 - Practical Entrepreneur with Donny WalsEpisode 98 - Async, Await, and Combine with Marin TodorovEpisode 87 - Core Data Fun with Tim MitraEpisode 86 - Third-Party APIs with Christian SeligEpisode 84 - Automation Fun with Jared SorgeEpisode 83 - Interviewing Tips with Kim ArnettEpisode 80 - A Tour of Software Testing with Christina MoultonEpisode 79 - Large Scale Teams with Joe FabisevichEpisode 77 - Swift Package Index with Sven A. SchmidtEpisode 74 - Year...2021-08-0451 min
Empower AppsAWS Amplify with Kilo LocoGuestKilo LocoTwitterYoutubeLinkedInYoutube Video - https://youtu.be/kQP7dCaKdEcRelated EpisodesEpisode 83 - Interviewing Tips with Kim ArnettEpisode 75 - Year of the Server with Tim Condon - Part 2Episode 10 - Cloud and Backend Services For Apps with Erik GillespieRelated LinksGetting Started with AWS AmplifyAWS Free TierAPNs Push Notifications for iOS Using AWS Lambda in Swift - Kilo LocoAWS Amplify Playlist - Kilo LocoAWS Amplify RepoAmazon DynamoDBAmazon CognitoAmazon SNSAmazon Pinpoint How Do I Write If Case Let in Swift?GoshDarnSwiftUISwiftUIPropertyWrappersSponsors2021-03-2832 min
Empower AppsYear of the Server with Tim Condon - Part 2GuestTim CondonTwitter @0xTimYoutube Video - https://youtu.be/VMNvZtw9OyURelated EpisodesEpisode 74 - Year of the Server with Tim Condon - Part 1Episode 72 - Functional Programming with Daniel SteinbergEpisode 49 - Vapor 4 with Tibor BödecsEpisode 34 - Server-Side Swift with Tim CondonEpisode 8 - Choosing the Right Backend with Erik GillespieRelated LinksThe Future of Swift on the Server by TimBuilding the next version of the Smoke Framework by Simon PilkingtonSwift Server Work GroupUse Swift on AWS Lambda with Xcode - WWDC 2020Getting started w...2020-12-2935 min
OK Productive036. When to QuitWe're going to step away from the podcast, but the episodes, website, and social media accounts will remain.Reach out if you have questions or want to say hi, and thanks for listening!What led us to this decision...Well first, why did we start?We wanted to talk about things we're interested inWe wanted practical tips, not the productivity trapWe were feeling the courage to experimentWhat decisions made us want to stop?Growth was plateauingWe did the exercises in Traction by Gabriel WinebergLearned that growth would require more time and moneyWe were already...2019-12-2233 min
OK Productive035. Year in Review, 2019Differences between 2018 and 2019Erik fully embraced Notion for planningLeo switched from Todoist to a spreadsheetMastermind meetings for group accountabilityLeo's Year in ReviewImprovements to healthSuccessful speaking engagementsA consistent schedule with podcastsSuccessful at writing outputAudience improvements:+156.32% at Learning Swift+12.85% at BrightDigit+726.15% at LeoGDionFuture Improvements include email, more video, and audience researchErik's Year in ReviewCame up with whole-year goals and broke down into quarterly, monthly, and weekly listsAlso made weekly and monthly habits checklistsAbout 20-30% of the anticipated objectives and habits changed over the yearThe habits that stuck were those that Erik had...2019-12-0850 min
OK Productive034. Crafting a Great Email, with Laura LopuchIntroductionLaura's first email tip: write so the recipient will imagine how their life could beHow to discover a love of email as a paralegalRealizing skills, eight years laterThe benefits of setting weekly email goalsTreat email correspondence as a journeyWait 2 to 3 business days before the first followupTwo types of cold email: making a pitch and making a connectionAnatomy of a Cold EmailWhere are people with your problem going to talk about their problem? Explain why you chose the recipient over everyone elseStart a close relationship with your contact and compliment themProve a hypothesis, they s...2019-11-2436 min
OK Productive033. Writing to Stand Out, with Sophia DagnonGetting your foot in the doorSophia's specialty and how she got there from archaeologyHow UpWork led to better pay in writingDealing with the lack of comfortAn approach to desiring income without being sleazyMaking transactions mutually beneficialPeople don’t buy stuff, they buy solutions to problemsHow does your customer think about the solutions to their problems?How to ask the right questions to better understand your customerImproving pitches by trying different thingsHow to reach your customersThe platforms with the lowest barriers or are easiest to self-promoteCopy Hackers (Joanna Web sp.?)Researching, writing a lot, an...2019-11-1045 min
OK Productive032. Flash Fiction with Allison SpoonerIntroductionsNaNoWriMo and flash fictionAllison Spooner is the author of Flash in the Dark and The Problem with HumansFind Allison online at spoonfulstyle.com or @allyspoonOutsource your writing parametersAccountability through writing groups, events, and contestsBenefits of deadlines, prompts, settings, and other writing constraintsOutlining and other ways to complete a novel in small piecesWriting exercises and parameters that help you get better with practiceTelling a story with Joseph Campbell's Hero's JourneyTips for writing when you need some structureMethods for practicing writingLook for random writing prompts online or in your physical environmentStart...2019-10-2734 min
OK Productive031. Clear your Calendar! with Justin JacksonIn this episodeWhat does a "cleared" calendar look like?How can clearing the calendar improve one's productivity?Why you shouldn't fill up your calendar with work if you are self-employedA clear calendar is open to interruptions and stimulates creativityHow to stay focused and avoid getting lost in free timeHow to be healthy active on social mediaAn experiment that you can try at home or at the officeHow clearing the calendar can be used by employees at traditional or regimented officesHow to observe the benefits of unstructured or free timeOther ways to experiment with your calendar and free...2019-10-1349 min
OK Productive030. Neuroplasticity with Tim MitraWhere to find Tim Mitra online@TimMitra on TwitterHost of the More Than Just Code Podcast and SpockcastCohost of RoundaboutFMit-guy.comAuthor of How to Keep Learning After 50Tim's SwiftTO talk about NeuroplasticityNeuroplasticityWhy should we keep learning?Neuroplasticity in simple termsThe advantage of learning in 45-minute spurtsCompound learning:Short-term memoriesLong-term memories through repetitionMicro-skill development (building functions in the brain)Breaks help move memories from one level to the nextUse communication to reinforce learningExplain and seek confirmationThe rubber ducking techniqueUsing emoji to punctuate words with emotionWhat the ~ at the end of a Tweet or text meansApplying...2019-09-2932 min
OK Productive029. Public SpeakingIn this episodeThe value in public speaking for you and your audienceHow to understand your audience by researching the conferenceDifferent ways to organize a talk: story-telling, LEGO instructions, fireside chat, speed dating, and moreHow to handle interruptions and questionsFollowing up with your audience after your talkTips for promoting yourself and your work without giving a sales pitchPractice: it smooths out the wrinkles and lets your confidence shineDifferent ways to practice your talk before the big eventUse simple slides, don't switch apps, use a clicker, more words, fewer pictures, use notesObserve your body language, tone, pace, and filler...2019-09-1543 min
OK Productive028. Event Planning with Jessica D'AmicoWhere we plan eventsErik: Lansing CodesLeo: Lansing Marketing HackersJess: Peers ConferenceAs self-employed folks, events are a great way to get feedback from others and learn new things. Part of productivity isn’t just about doing it all yourself, but also about reaching out to others and educating yourself.Getting started with event planningOrganizing an event as a way to connect people that can help each other outEvents have many benefits including establishing oneself in a community, educating others, reinforcing skills, developing new skills, and opportunities to travelFind speakers by paying at...2019-09-0153 min
OK Productive027. Productive Creativity with Pete SenaIntroductionPete Sena (@petesena) is the founder, CEO, and CCO of Digital Surgeons, a design, branding, and digital marketing consultancyPete explains his responsibilities as Chief Creative OfficerThe intersection of creativity and productivityCreate / Produce vs. Creativity / ProductivityThe seesaw of effectiveness and efficiencyCreativity is born from curiosityProductivity is how people are a pro at their craftCritical thinking is important for becoming great creativesBeing "Creatively productive""Creativity is just connecting things." -Steve Jobs"My powers are ordinary. Only my application brings me success." -Isaac NewtonUnderstanding shortcutsRepetitive vs. UniqueManaging creative duties and other responsibilitiesHow...2019-08-1845 min
OK Productive026. Morning Momentum - The Post-Sleepy EpisodeHow to build momentum in your dayFirst, have a good night of sleep (see episode 1)Erik drinks a high-calorie, low-sugar coffee shake (thanks, gallbladder) before doing anything else in the morning.Energy (calories) and caffeine work well to kickstart the day so long as they're not overdoneWhat part of your day has the most momentum? (morning, afternoon, night)It may depend on what you'll be doing (see "Have a plan to follow" below).Identify which tasks you have planned and how they will affect your energy.If you have something planned that requires lots of prolonged focus...2019-08-0429 min
OK Productive025. Productive PodcastingIntroductionLeo recently presented and wrote about getting started with podcastingLeo's motivation for taking a holistic look at what it takes to create, publish, and promote a podcastThe overall processOur overall publishing process, from brainstorming to recording, to promotingIf you're considering starting a podcast, we recommend that you have two of audience, motivation, and purpose before moving forwardSchedule and formatWhat our recording schedule looks like and how regularly we recordHow we get ready to talk about something in the days before we recordWe get very specific about our formatHere are...2019-07-2134 min
OK Productive024. Mid-Year Grab Bag and ReviewIntroductionAny active desktop issues with Endgame?The unexpected is so memorable, even for simple things like going to the moviesSleep, habits, and appsHow we've been sleepingWhat we've tried from Atomic HabitsWhat we're using besides Google InboxNew parenting tipsErik’s year (so far)Health is going the best of all categories, it's where he has the most controlHow do you give your kid challenges without breaking down their self-esteem?Staying in touch with friends that live far awayHow to stay in touch with hundreds of people, according to Derek SiversLe...2019-07-0734 min
OK Productive023. 3 Hat Productivity with Christian GencoIntroductionA little about Christian and how he first met LeoMister Money Mustache, spending lessPatrick McKenzie, inventor of Bingo Card CreatorA day in the life of Christian GencoPrepopulate your task list, start with your most important task and include lots of easy winsPut healthy snacks, hard tasks, and what to do if tired or feeling overwhelmed in your task listPlan for spending time in the sun, meditating, journaling, and cookingWhy 3 hats?Challenges that Christian faced in order to balance all of his responsibilities:Putting off difficult workLots of distractions from new or exciting opportunitiesThe constant...2019-06-2353 min
OK Productive022. Journaling with Will GantIntroductionWill Gant is a co-host of the Complete Developer PodcastHow Will and Leo met Will's lightning talk at MicroConfWhat's in Will's journalWill's familial history of journalingUnknown stresses as the impetus to start journalingWill's original journal was a spreadsheet that covered anything happening during the day that bugged him, taking roughly 20 minutes per day to writeSwitching to monthly journaling helped Will focus on opportunities instead of the bad stuff and takes about 10 minutes to writeOther ways Will's approach to journaling has changed over the yearsJournaling well after something happens helps separate the act from t...2019-06-0943 min
OK Productive021. Staying Organized with Idea ManagementIntroductionA little about Jonathan Baillie Strong and how he met LeoJonathan's best practices for attending a conferenceJonathan's daily workInbox managementHow Jonathan got interested in inbox managementHis general system for inbox management and how it relates to GTDHow often Jonathan grooms his inboxThe most obvious benefits to his inbox management approachWhere does Jonathan put his ideasHis system for keeping them organizedHow often you should revisit ideas and explore them more deeplyHow to consider which ideas are worth pursuing further, which should get tossed, and which need to sit for a while longerThe...2019-05-2632 min
OK Productive020. MultitaskingFirst, some revelations:Apparently, Leo doesn't like cupcakes 🧁12 habits that destroy your focus and productivity, by Jari RoomerMultitasking, definedMultitasking is trying to accomplish two or more tasks by quickly switching back and forth between themMultitasking is like juggling: you keep lots of things in motion for as long as possible, it looks like lots of work, but you’re not actually accomplishing anything except moving things around. You can get better at juggling, but you’re still just getting better at moving things around.Another analogy: texting while driving. This is the bad form of mult...2019-05-1238 min
OK Productive019. The Optimization TrapOne way to be ok at productivity is to avoid the premature optimization trap.Premature optimization is when you try to improve a process before knowing how to measure the results of the change.An idea to improve your productivity can sound really appealing and make you want to do it right away, but without knowing how effective the change will be, the impact could be minuscule and use up more (decision-making) effort than is worthwhile.Making lots of small or arbitrary, immeasurable changes to your productivity is not the same as making a few changes that have...2019-04-2839 min
OK Productive018. Atomic Habits by James Clear - Part 2Motivation, Motion, and ActionBe specific about your habits!From the book:People who make a specific plan for when and where they will perform a new habit are more likely to follow through. Too many people try to change their habits without these basic details. Don't be a busy-body. Make sure your habits are moving you toward that ideal vision of yourself and your goals.Motivation and EnvironmentIn practice, being aware of your motivation at the times you need it is hard to do. It makes a lot more sense t...2019-04-1422 min
OK Productive017. Atomic Habits by James Clear - Part 1Overall Review Leo's take:I have read many self-help books. I have never found a book so condensed with information. This is a book I found with many takeaways and lessons. I can tell this is a book James had been working on as a series of blog posts, but had successfully made those blog posts into an actual book which each piece connected much better than the other.I compare this to Derek Sivers book on which felt much more disconnected. (It had great elements but there was as much cohesion as t...2019-03-3130 min
OK Productive016. Productivity Apps EpisodeRedditWe tested Alarmy and share our thoughts. This app was recommended to us more than once on r/productivity as a great way to jumpstart your day.We have our own subreddit now. Check out r/okproductive for more discussion about topics covered on our podcast, make recommendations, and get to know the hosts!Apps ReviewedAlfred - a fast and powerful command center/assistant on Apple products Security and PrivacyAdGuard - a really good way to block unwanted adsEncrypt.me - a simple, reliable, and secure VPNAdblock P...2019-03-1716 min
OK Productive015. The One Thing EpisodeWe asked /r/productivity on Reddit what one thing has had the most benefit to productivity. Lots of great answers and explanations, some answers came up multiple times (we'll explore those another time), and very few folks could pick just one thing.Also discussed in this episode:Leo’s One Thing: Writing things down...for record keeping (sleep, exercise, health, etc.)to collect thoughts (reviewing, reflecting, and venting)to avoid interruptions (finish what you start, save the rest for later)as reminders for later (todo lists, idea bucket)Erik’s One Thin...2019-03-0330 min
OK Productive014. Project Breakdown EpisodeBreaking down large projectsWork is rarely handed to us in small, easily achievable piecesBreaking a project down into small pieces gives you a mapMeasuring your progress improves your odds of succeedingKnow your limitationsYou only have so much capacity to do workTime, energy, resources, people, knowledgeIdentify what your constraints areStart whittling awayName a few things that represent success for the projectWhat needs to happen to accomplish each of those things?Prioritize your listHow can you group similar tasks?Don’t break everything down at onceYou can’t do e...2019-02-2427 min
Empower AppsCloud and Backend Services For Apps with Erik GillespiePrevious EpisodesEpisode 7 - Apple 2019Episode 6 - Project Estimation EpisodeDefine Whether You Do Need Cloud or Backend ServicesYou Do Not Need If…Privacy-Sensitive DataNo Cloud Backups NeededAlready Storing Using a Third Party APIsExample App Developed by BrightDigit - CE GeniusYou Do Need If..Multiple Devices In Sync Cloud Backups NessecaryExample App Developed by Shiny Frog - BearWhat To Consider When Deciding How To Store Data?MVP vs EnterpriseWhat is an MVP? Most Viable ProductStart With the User - Project Estimation Epi...2019-02-1034 min
OK Productive013. Productive Parenting EpisodeAdjust your definition of "productive"Raising and loving children is productiveDon’t over strain yourselfYour priorities change once you have kids, too, and sometimes it's difficult to imagine just how much the little ones can change your world for the betterTry this: research how much it would cost to hire someone to do a home-related task for you vs. doing it yourselfInclude your children and establish boundariesSleep when they sleepThe YMCA has great childcare optionsHave a room for work as a physical boundary between working on your business and working with your kidsHave a su...2019-02-0326 minOK Productive012. Saying No EpisodeHow to decide when to say noThe Derek Sivers way: “Hell yeah” or “No”If you're in unfamiliar territory: “Hell no” or “Let’s try”Many decisions aren’t permanentFinish what’s on your plate firstIdentify the commitments that are important to you and your valuesWhat are your priorities?Where does an opportunity fit in?Goal: don’t dilute yourselfAlternate StrategiesStop thinking in terms of “yes” and “no” and make a counter-proposalYou don’t need to respond to everything that comes your wayAsk about when your decision should be madeDefer until you have the time...2019-01-2724 minOK Productive011. Year in Review EpisodeCovered in this episodeNew Years Resolutions vs Year in ReviewThe importance of reflection and guidanceHow a Year in Review helps give direction and addresses changes you should makeHow to deal with the unexpected throughout the yearsHow to address new opportunitiesHow do you measure results and asses your goalsHow do you cope and adjust for changesBe Honest and Forthright - Lying to Yourself Only Hurts YouUnderstand What You Want Out Of ItGet Feedback or Outside Perspective from OthersPrevious EpisodesNew Year’s ResolutionsPower of HabitTime WastersGoals and ActionsYear In...2019-01-1832 min
OK Productive010. Dealing with Time Wasters EpisodePrevious Episodes Power of HabitsGoals and ActionsTop Apps EpisodeA Sleepy EpisodeCovered in this episode:What is a time waster?What time of day are you most likely to waste time or get interrupted?Are you doing things that bring you joy, motivate you, or satisfy one of your needs?Are you consciously choosing to waste time?How can you quickly identify when and how you are wasting time?How many ways can people interrupt you?Which time wasters should be the first to go?What are some strategies for limiting and wasting time intentionally?How c...2019-01-1624 minOK Productive009. Working On Your Own EpisodeLeo and Erik talk about their experience working on their own and staying sane. They give tips on knowing if you are the right fit, how to be prepared financially, how to stay organizing, and maintain a reasonable revenue as freelancer or business owner.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksCamCardHealthCare.Gov
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2018-11-1237 minOK Productive008. Travel Tips EpisodeErik Gillespie and Leo Dion give some travel recommendations depending on your situation. Whether you are looking to budget travel on a family vacation or its business travel to a conference, this episode has some great tips on being a great tip planner.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksTransportationAmtrakLyftDelta Airlines + LyftBest Credit Cards For Travel (Forbes)South Shore LineHertz GoldDestinationsAirBnBKOAMarriott Rewards101 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free (Mr. Free Stuff)Kid stuffErgobaby Baby Carrier Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon
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2018-08-3042 minOK Productive007. List #2 – Top Apps EpisodeIn the second part of our episode, Leo goes over the productivity apps he uses for time tracking, scheduling, todo lists, reminders, and note-taking.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksPrevious EpisodesEpisode 6. List #1 – Top Disciplines Episode (Part 1)Episode 3. Goals and ActionsLeo talks about scheduling todo itemsEpisode 1. A Sleepy EpisodeLeo talks about sleep trackingTime Tracking and Scheduling AppsTogglGoogle CalendarDoodleTime DoctorReminders and Todo List AppsReminders (Apple)TodoistGoogle InboxNote AppsEvernoteNotes (Apple)Google DocsBear (Apple)...2018-06-2937 minOK Productive006. List #1 – Top Disciplines EpisodeIn the first of a two-part episode, Erik discusses his list of top disciplines which have helped him the most.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksCheck-ins Example of Erik’s weekly task list (Google Doc)Episode 3 – Goals and ActionsEpisode 2 – New Years EpisodeWaking Up Episode 1 – A Sleepy EpisodeRestricting Availability News Feed Eradicator for Facebook (Chrome Extension)
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2018-06-0428 minOK Productive005. Quick Decision EpisodeIn this episode, Leo and Erik discuss how to make decisions quickly and what are the factors which help making the right decision.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksThe 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
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2018-05-1023 minOK Productive004. The Power of Habit Book Club EpisodeIn this episode, we do our review of The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.Music by Leah Fitch
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2018-04-3031 min
OK Productive003. Goals and Actions EpisodeIn this episode, we expand on goals and resolutions and Leo’s thoughts on how to get there. Erik talks about his motivations for reaching goals. And lastly, we have a homework assignment for our audience.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksLeo’s ArticleHomework Assignment
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2018-03-1320 min
OK Productive002. New Year's EpisodeIn the second episode, we talk about reaching “good enough” as opposed to perfection, Leo talks about his views on New Year’s resolutions, and Erik talks about his personal goals for the year.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksSleep CycleAuto SleepPillowHack Green 80%Paradox of ChoiceOld Company Logos were Terrible
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2017-12-3129 min
OK Productive001. A Sleepy EpisodeIn the first episode, we talk about our rough goals for the podcast, how Erik’s low-key weekend went, as well as how good sleep habits help our productivity.Music by Leah FitchShow Notes and LinksThor: RagnarokActive DesktopSleep CycleAuto SleepPillowHeadSpace
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2017-12-2126 min